A man accused of killing a young basketball coach and injuring an elderly woman in separate “unprovoked” knife attacks has appeared at the Old Bailey.

Norris Henry, 37, is charged with murdering Ali Abucar Ali, 20, and the attempted murder of 82-year-old Elizabeth Walsh in Brentford, west London, on 12 November.

Henry, who lives near the scene of the attacks, allegedly used a 30cm knife – first stabbing Ms Walsh in the back and then Mr Ali in the chest before running away.

The court heard the attacks in Albany Parade were unprovoked.

Mr Ali was pronounced dead at the scene and Ms Walsh, 82, was taken to hospital but her injuries are said not to be life threatening.

Henry appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Wormwood Scrubs for a preliminary hearing.

He spoke to confirm his identity and the judge set out a timetable for the case, setting a plea hearing for 21 February.

Henry has been remanded in custody.

Tributes have been paid to both victims, with Mr Ali described as a “hero” and “the most caring, humble, funniest young man”.

A Go Fund Me page for him surpassed its original goal and is now at more than £97,000.

Ms Walsh is well known in Brentford having worked as a barmaid in the area for many years, with locals calling her a “lovely woman”.

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